REDDITCH United's early season success story continued at a chilly Valley Stadium last night as a Richard Leadbeater brace helped them overcome rivals Evesham.

In truth, the scoreline flattered Rod Brown's men as they were matched pound for pound by a spirited Evesham outfit for much of a competitive 90 minutes.

But the result was all important for the Reds, who continue to ride high at the top of the Dr Martens Western Division after showing the greater class in front of goal.

The home side was unlucky not to get a flying start after just two minutes when Lee Ross saw his far-post header bounce off after a telling Matty Hall right-sided cross.

But Evesham soon settled into the fight and made Redditch pay for some slack defending with just six minutes on the clock.

Paul Oakey whipped in a quick free-kick and towering visiting centre back Linton Bailey headed home with aplomb inside the six-yard box.

It was a stuttering start from the league leaders but they got into gear just six minutes later when they conjured up an easy equaliser.

Skipper Mark Taylor chipped a free-kick over a disorganised Evesham defence from just outside the box and an unmarked Richard Leadbeater fired home.

That gave Evesham, who fielded former Coventry City man Sean Flynn in midfield, the impetus to surge forward.

Home keeper Richard Anstiss was forced to save low from Grant Pinkney's cracking 25-yard drive but despite having to soak up pressure, Alex Cowley, Taylor and Nicky Clark all had chances to put the home side ahead.

Evesham, though, still continued to ring the alarm bells at the other end with Bailey again finding space to direct a header which bounced off the Reds' bar two minutes before half-time.

After an even start to the second half, it was Redditch who took the lead when Jimmy Quiggan's pin-point cross was fired home by Lee Ross from close range on 66 minutes.

Quiggan again was the provider for Reds' third goal eight minutes later as another low cross was headed home by in-form Leadbeater near the penalty spot.